STEM

(STEM = Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths)

Inspiring young people about the exciting and rewarding careers that studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths can lead to.

Here at LEBC we deliver the STEMNET contract for Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes. We are dedicated to supporting teachers, local business and individuals who want to support this aim to ensure we have a future workforce that is enthusiastic about STEM subjects.

We hope you find the following information useful, there are also specific links on the top right hand side of this page under the “In This Section” heading.

STEM Ambassadors

STEM Ambassadors are individuals working or studying within the STEM sector that have volunteered to work with young people to help inspire them and raise awareness of where studying a STEM subject can take them in the future.

This national scheme has over 30,000 people who cross all ages and backgrounds, representing thousands of different employers across the UK.

STEM Ambassadors use their enthusiasm and commitment to encourage young people to enjoy STEM subjects. They open doors to a world of opportunities and possibilities which come from pursuing STEM subjects and careers.

STEM Ambassadors not only inspire young people, they also support teachers in the classroom by explaining current applications of STEM in industry or research.

For Businesses and Individuals
Registering as a STEM Ambassador is quick and easy and can be done on line by clicking here.
Following your registration you will be contacted by LEBC who will get in touch to arrange an induction to the scheme. By joining the STEM Ambassador scheme you will be asked to complete an enhanced DBS (previously CRB) Check, the process for doing this will be explained after registration.

For TeachersSTEM Ambassador visits are free to schools and colleges, so make the most of this fantastic resource! If you would like to request a STEM Ambassador for your school or college please click here for the request form.

If you would like to talk to a member of the team about the STEM Ambassador scheme please email Judith.Payne@Leics-EBC.org.uk
or telephone 0116 2407000

Schools STEM Advisory Network
As part of our STEMNET contract we offer free impartial tailored advice and guidance to help schools and colleges access a range of service, resources, activities, toolkits and advice, which supports the curriculum and increase the number of students moving into further STEM education, training and development.

If you would like a member of the STEM team to visit you to talk about how we can help you to enrich teaching and learning in the STEM subjects please email Judith.Payne@Leics-EBC.org.uk or telephone 0116 2407000

CREST Awards

CREST Awards are a national programme that gives students the opportunity to gain recognition for individual creative work in the fields of Science and Technology.

For Ages 11 to 19 the CREST Awards come in three levels:

Discovery – requiring 5 hours of project work by the student (aged 11 to 14). £3.00

Bronze – requiring 10 hours of project work by the student (aged 11 to 14). £5.00

Silver – requiring 30 hours of project work by the student (aged 14 to 16). £10.00

Gold – requiring 70 hours of project work by the student (aged 16 to 19). £20.00

At Discovery level there is also the option to run a CREST in a Day event. This is ideal for Years 6 to 9 and involves a day of Science, Engineering or D&T themed tasks where students plan, predict, test, investigate and evaluate.

CREST Star Awards (5-11 years)

The CREST Star Scheme has three levels of awards with over 60 investigations

For Ages 5 to 11 the CREST Awards come in 3 levels:

Star – (Key Stage 1) complete 8 investigations.

SuperStar – (Key Stage 1 & 2)complete 12 investigations.

MegaStar – (Key Stage 2) complete 3 projects.

The acitivites focus on a mixture of hands-on practical work and discussion, encouraging children to work independently of adults. Lasting approximately one hour, the investigations are designed to used in a club, in lessons, or outside of school.

CREST Star investigators is now available as a new online membership scheme. Registration costs just £40 with an annual renewal fee of £20 payable after the first 12 months.

Already bought the packs? CREST Star schools can join for free! And there are 10 new investigations not included in any pack.

For more information on the scheme and to register for the packs click here

Nuffield Research programme

STEM Clubs Programme

We provide free, impartial, expert advice and support to schools that want to set up or develop a STEM Club.

STEM Clubs are a fun and rewarding way to boost enjoyment and learning across STEM, outside of the classroom. They are not designed to be about writing, tests or exams. Instead, they allow pupils to explore, investigate and discover STEM subjects in a fun and stimulating learning environment away from the constraints of the school timetable or curriculum.

STEM Clubs can motivate and build confidence in pupils who struggle with STEM subjects and also provide an extra outlet for children who already show aptitude and are interested in furthering their learning.

We can help schools and teachers to decide if their STEM Club should be cross-curricular or focus on a single subject within STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths); we advise on activities which are aligned with existing national programmes on competitions, such as CREST Awards, or support designing a new activity to suit your school and students.